February 23, 2017Getting action? Take Blaktion!

Sex is a weird and wonderful part of human interactions and relationships.

Whether you’ve had sex with one partner or a few, there are steps that you must take in order to look after your health. One of these steps is getting tested for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Getting tested can be a daunting task – I mean, what’s worse than sitting in a crowded doctor’s room with the thought that everyone is watching you and knows you’re there because you’ve had unprotected sex? Obviously you’re freaking out but the truth is, as mature young people, we all need to be in charge of our health (and really, everyone else is too worried about themselves to pay attention to the reason you’re there…).

The NSW Government Health Association, in association with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC), has created the initiative Take Blaktion, focused on young Indigenous Australians and their sexual health. The site has an online Nurse Nettie to answer any questions about weird sex stuff, including relationships, exploring sexuality and general honest conversation about sex. It also has a hilarious Facebook page.

Basically, this is something super-important that everyone should be comfortable talking about with their friends and especially their doctor. We look after our health in so many other ways – sunscreen, dental check-ups and even showers – so why not our sexual health? It all comes under the same headline of being healthy and looking after you. Have a bit of self-love, people, and get tested.